Washing machine drawer insert dispenser

ABSTRACT

A laundry product dispensing device ( 10 ) for placing in a washing machine drawer ( 19, 20 ) housing a detergent and a fabric treatment composition, the device having dispensing mechanisms ( 22, 23 ) for dispensing unit doses into the respective channels of the washing machine drawer when a sensor ( 16, 17 ) detects water in the channel.

The invention relates to a laundry product dispensing device for placing in the drawer of a washing machine. The invention further relates to use of said device in the laundering of articles such as clothing.

BACKGROUND

In the developed and developing world, washing machines are used for laundering articles, such as clothes and household linens. Laundry products, including detergent and often fabric conditioners, are added to the wash. In some cases, products are added via a drawer in the washing machine. In other cases, products are added directly to the drum, for example via a dosing ball.

Laundry products added via the drawer of the washing machine are added to the wash at a predetermined point in the wash program. Laundry products are placed in channels (compartments) in the drawer, and water is run through these channels at the appropriate juncture en route to the drum of the washing machine. The laundry product is solubilised/partially solubilised/suspended and carried with the water flow. These channels are typically numbered/labelled to indicate the type of laundry product to be added to each channel. Automatic machines typically have a “main wash” detergent channel, into which the laundry product used in the main wash cycle is added. As many machines also have a prewash/additional benefit agent, this “main wash channel” may be labelled “II” (with the prewash/additional benefit agent channel labelled “I”). A further channel is provided for fabric softener, which is typically labelled “*”.

Dispensing laundry products using a drawer of the washing machine ensures that the laundry products are dosed into the drum at a specific time, such as, for example dispensing fabric conditioner into the drum in the final rinse.

However, placing and storing laundry products in the channels of the drawer prior to the wash is not without potential problems. These include possible consumer exposure to products and risk of spillages.

SUMMARY

The present invention seeks to address some of the problems associated with using washing machine drawers to dispense laundry products. It further addresses the potential over-/under-dosing of laundry products by consumers who may be tempted to “pour just a bit more in” leading to waste and sometimes, counter-intuitively, potential loss of performance.

The invention relates to a laundry product dispensing device for placing in a washing machine drawer. The device houses laundry product in a chamber and has a sensor configured to detect the presence of water in a channel in the drawer. This enables the device selectively to dispense laundry product from the chamber only when it is determined that water is present in the channel in the drawer. The laundry product is then carried to the drum by the water flowing through the drawer channel.

In other words, the invention relates to a laundry product dispensing device for placing in a washing machine drawer, the device having a chamber for housing laundry product, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a unit dose of laundry product from said chamber into a channel in the washing machine drawer, and a water sensor; wherein the device is configured to actuate the dispensing mechanism when the water sensor detects water in said channel.

In use, the water sensor resides within a channel of the washing machine drawer and when water is detected in the channel, the dispensing mechanism dispenses a unit dose of laundry product into the channel, and thereby into the water flow, to be carried to the drum.

Suitably, the device has two chambers, one for housing detergent product, for use in the main wash cycle, and one for housing a fabric treatment composition such as a fabric conditioner, which is used in the final rinse cycle.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention may provide a laundry product dispensing device for placing in a washing machine drawer, the device having

-   -   first and second chambers for housing laundry product;     -   first and second dispensing mechanisms for dispensing a unit         dose of laundry product from the respective first or second         chamber;     -   first and second water sensors configured to detect the presence         of water in a respective first and second channel of the washing         machine drawer;     -   wherein the device is configured such that when the first water         sensor detects water in the first channel, the first dispensing         mechanism is actuated to dispense a unit dose of laundry product         from the first chamber in to the first channel;     -   and when the second water sensor detects water in the second         channel, the second dispensing mechanism is actuated to dispense         a unit dose of laundry product from the second chamber in to the         second channel characterised in that said first and second water         sensors are located on said respective chambers

It will be appreciated that, in situ, the first chamber is suitably located in or above the first channel, while the second chamber is suitably located in or above the second channel.

The or each dispensing mechanism may include a valve to retain or help to retain the laundry product in the chamber. This is especially useful if the laundry products are provided as liquids or powders. However, it will be appreciated that laundry products may be provided as discrete unit doses (for example, as cartridges (e.g. pouches) or lozenges or pellets). In these cases, for example, a valve is not needed.

The dispensing mechanism may be configured to apply pressure to the contents of the chamber when actuated. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a bellows, spring loading or piston arrangement that, when actuated, applies pressure to the contents of the chambers so as to eject, or help to eject, a unit dose of laundry product.

The device is preferably a multi-dose device, configured to store enough laundry product for multiple washes. The device may store enough laundry product for two washes (i.e. two unit does of each product), for three washes, for four washes or for five or more washes. The some cases, the device may store enough laundry product for ten washes. In other words, in some embodiments, each chamber is sized to house more than one unit dose of laundry product and wherein each dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense a unit dose of laundry product each time the dispensing mechanism is actuated.

This offers another advantage in that a user does not have to keep refilling the laundry product after every wash. With conventional washing machine drawers there is no room to store extra laundry product as all laundry product stored in a channel in the drawer will be flushed into the washing machine drum when water is passed through the channel. Such a multi-dose device may save a user time as they can run multiple wash programs before they have to change the device or top-up the laundry product.

Common cycles and stages in a wash program and typical conditions associated therewith are described below. A typical washing machine drawer contains three separate channels, each of which is connected to the main drum. Water is directed through each of these channels at one point during the wash program, before being deposited into the main drum of the washing machine. The purpose of the water being directed through each of these channels is to collect the laundry products provided there. For example, a first channel in the drawer may be used to hold a detergent for prewash, and water will be directed through this channel at the start of the wash program. A second channel in the drawer may be used to hold a fabric conditioner, and water may be directed through the channel in the final rinse phase. Optionally, a third channel in the drawer may be used to provide a different detergent for use in the main wash. In these cases, water is optionally flushed through this channel at a certain point in the wash phase.

Preferably, the laundry product housed in the first chamber of the device is a detergent, and/or the laundry product housed in the second chamber of the device is a fabric treatment composition. Suitable fabric treatment compositions include perfumed compositions and/or fabric softeners. Such compositions may be referred to as fabric conditioners).

Preferably, each of the sensors is a conductivity sensor. Conductivity sensors are useful sensors for determining the sudden presence of water, regardless of the temperature of the water or speed of water flow. Of course, other sensors such as a thermometer or a microphone could be envisaged. Using a conductivity sensor, it is possible, for example, to detect whether the conductivity sensor has been wetted with water, such that it may for example thereby be established whether water is in or is flowing into the chamber.

Optionally, the device may include a third chamber and a corresponding third sensor, for detecting water in a third channel and dispensing a third composition into said channel.

Preferably, each chamber has a single sensor, but it will be appreciated that multiple sensors that could be used in combination.

In particular, a sensor may incorporate any one of the following types of sensors selected from the group of timers, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, brightness sensors, motion sensors, strain sensors, rotational speed sensors, proximity sensors, flow sensors, color sensors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, conductivity sensors, turbidity sensors, instantaneous acoustic pressure sensors, “lab-on-a-chip” sensors, force sensors, acceleration sensors, inclination sensors, pH sensors, moisture sensors, magnetic field sensors, RFID sensors, Hall sensors, biochips, odor sensors, hydrogen sulfide sensors, position sensors, gyro sensors, optical, electrical and/or mechanical displacement sensors and/or MEMS sensors.

A brightness sensor may be used, for example, to detect the incidence of light into the chamber when the dishwashing drawer is opened, from which it may for example be concluded that the washing program has not begun.

Using a vibration sensor, it is possible, for example, to detect natural vibration frequencies or resonance of a domestic appliance with a rotating treatment compartment when, for example, the water flows into the channel. It is thus conceivable to detect the start or finish of water flow into the channel.

It is also feasible to detect the presence of water with at least one acoustic sensor, specific sound and/or vibration emissions being detected, for example when water is pumped in or out of the channel.

The or each water sensor may be located on the respective chamber. The or each water sensor may be located on the external part e.g. surface of the respective chamber. This is preferably for example for conductivity sensors or temperature sensors. However, the or each sensor may be located on the internal part e.g. surface respective chamber which may be advantageous for e.g. vibration sensors as the chamber may vibrate when water flows into the channel. Preferably the or each water sensor is located on the underside of a respective chamber. Further preferably the or each water sensor is located on the rear underside of the respective chamber. Preferably the or each water sensor is located on the respective chamber in a position corresponding to where the water enters the respective channel.

The sensors may be at common locations relative to the chamber, (e.g. all at the rear of the chamber) or they may be a different locations.

The or each water sensor may be attached to the respective reservoir or it may be integral e.g. moulded integrally.

Suitably, the device comprises a power source to provide power. In some embodiments, it is a battery. The device may, additionally or alternatively, have a means for harvest power from the water flow through the drawer, for example, by a dynamo or similar.

The device may be provided “pre-loaded”. In other words, the device may be supplied to the user complete with laundry product in the chambers. Optionally, the device may be re-usable. In this case, the device is configured to permit the user to insert more laundry product into each chamber In this case, laundry product is added to each chamber for use; for example, the exterior of a chamber or a portion of the exterior of each chamber (the chamber wall) may be detachable from the device. For example, a portion of the device may unscrew to provide an open chamber into which laundry product is poured by the user. Mating this with the remainder of the device forms the chamber. In other words, the first and second chambers may be openable to permit replenishment of the laundry product.

In a further aspect, the invention may provide a method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising placing a device according to the first aspect into the drawer of a washing machine such that a first chamber of the device sits in and/or above a first channel of the washing machine drawer and a second chamber of the device sits in and/or above a second channel of the washing machine, and then running a wash program whereby

(iii) first and second water sensors detect water in respective first and second channels; and then (iv) first and second dispensing mechanisms are actuated to dispense a unit dose of laundry product from the second chamber into the second channel characterised in that said first and second water sensors are located on said respective chambers.

In some cases, the method may further comprise introducing laundry product into at least one chamber of the device according to the first aspect, then placing the device in the drawer of a washing machine and then running a wash program.

Laundering in this context refers to both cleaning, for example, with a detergent product and other fabric treatment (for example, conditioning) within a washing machine.

The step of introducing laundry product into a chamber of the device may comprise opening the chamber, pouring a laundry product into the chamber, then sealing the chamber. The step of introducing a laundry product into the chamber may comprise inserting one or more cartridges (e.g. pouches) or lozenges or pellets containing a unit dose.

The laundry product may be a solid or liquid composition. Depending on the configuration of the device it may be contained in unit dose cartridges, for example pouches containing liquid or powder produce, or supplied as a compressed solid lozenge or pellet. It will be appreciated that a pouch or compressed solid will undergo rapid dissolution/disintegration to facilitate travel with the water flow from the drawer to the drum.

The washing machine may be a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading washing machine. The washing machine may be a domestic washing machine or an industrial (for example, commercial) scale washing machine.

It will be appreciated that all preferences and optional features are combinable, except where expressly stated otherwise.

DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described without limitation with reference to the following diagrammatical drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a device according to the present invention with two chambers present and a water sensor on the bottom of each chamber.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of one of the chambers of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cut away cross-sectional side view of a chamber of a second device according to the invention.

The device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1 has two chambers 11, 12. The tops of these chambers are defined by a capping portion 13. The front walls of the first and second chambers are sloped, and each has a valve, labelled 14 and 15 respectively, on its front wall. The first chamber 11 has a water sensor 16 located on the underside of the chamber, situated towards the back of the chamber as shown. The second chamber 12 has a water sensor 17 similarly located.

The device has protrusions 18 located on the capping portion 13 to help retain the device in situ in the washing machine drawer. These may simply help to “locate” the device in the drawing, straddling the channels of the drawer, or may engage with the drawer in a snap lock manner. When viewed from above, the device is largely rectangular in shape, although other shapes may be envisaged.

The walls defining the first and second channels are shown with a dotted line. As can be seen from the figure, the chambers 11, 12 are shaped so that they mate with the corresponding channels in the washing machine drawer 19, 20 such that the first chamber 11 sits in the first channel 19 and the second chamber 12 sits in the second channel 20. Of course, it will be appreciated that the channels of the washing machine drawer may not be the same width and/or depth. It will be appreciated that the device may be sized and shaped to fit the washing machine drawer configuration of a particular brand or model of washing machine.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the device of FIG. 1. A single chamber 11 is shown. The chamber contains a liquid composition 21. The sensor 16 is shown. The dispensing mechanism includes a piston-like plunger 22 which is advanced in the direction of the arrow by a spring mechanism 23. When the sensor has detected water, this plunger applies pressure to the composition 21, causing it to eject from the chamber via silicone no drip (squeeze) valve 14 into the channel, to be carried with the water flow to the washing machine drum. The device is configured so that each time the dispensing mechanism plunger advances a distance to eject one unit dose of the composition, as indicated by the dotted lines (the chamber as shown houses 4 unit doses).

FIG. 3 also shows a cross sectional view of a device according to the invention. A single chamber 111 is shown with a water sensor 16. The composition is provides as cartridges 121 which as shown contain a liquid composition is a rapidly dissolving exterior. Of course, powder pellets or pouches containing a powder may also be used. Method of providing such pouches are known in the art. There is no valve, but the mouth of the chamber as shown is sized and sufficiently flexibly to permit easy passage of a cartridge when pressure is applied via the dispensing mechanism, which as illustrated includes a reciprocating plunger 122 and spring 123. When actuated, a single cartridge is fired from the chamber through the opening to contact the water flow, where it disintegrates and the laundry product is carried with the water to the drum.

In each case, the devices are configured to dispense product from the front of the chamber when it is in situ. It will be appreciated that other arrangements are also in the ambit of the invention. For example, product may be dispensed from the bottom of the chamber, or towards the back of the chamber.

It will be appreciated that channel 19 of the washing machine drawer typically is intended for a detergent product to be used in the main wash, while channel 20 of the washing machine drawer typically is intended for fabric conditioner used in the final rinse cycle. A third channel (not shown) may be provided for a pre-wash composition, bleaching composition or similar.

The device of the invention may offer the following advantages compared to pouring liquid or powder laundry products into the channels of a washing machine drawer:

-   -   The correct dose of each product is supplied, reducing waste.         This is referred to as a unit dose.     -   The procedure is less messy. There is no need to, for example,         use a lid interior or scoop to measure a dose.     -   As the laundry product is sealed within the device and dispensed         only when water is present in a channel of the washing machine         drawer, the risk of a “spill-over” between laundry channels is         obviated.

As the laundry product is sealed within the device, it is not accessible to children and pets. Potential access is a particular concern where a laundry load is prepared in the machine, but the cycle not started for any number of reasons.

Wash Program

A washing machine typically has one or more programs which the user selects to suit the articles to be laundered and the degree of soiling. Each program is a sequence of stages with varied conditions (duration, water/solution volume, speed, temperature). As used herein, the word cycle refers to an individual stage and the word program means a combination of those stages. Typically, the stages of a wash program include:

1. a wash cycle (in which the drum is filled to a certain level and the articles agitated in the solution, then the solution drained); spinning may be used to aid solution removal; 2. a rinse phase (in which the drum is filled with water to a certain level and the articles agitated in the water, then the water drained); the rinse phase may include one or more rinse cycles, with two or three being frequently used; spinning may be used to aid solution/water removal; 3. a spin cycle, in which the basket is spun rapidly with the drain open such that remaining water, including water absorbed within the fabric of the articles, is removed by centrifugal force.

Washing Machine Drawer

As described elsewhere herein, a typical washing machine drawer has three separate channels into which different laundry products are intended to be placed. The term “channel” is herein, but it is to be understood that this part of the washing machine drawer may also be commonly referred to as a “compartment”, a “chamber”, a “soap drawer”, a “compartment” and a “slot”. During a normal wash programme, the contents of each of the three channels (if present) is dispensed into the wash at different stages in the wash program.

The “main wash channel” is typically labelled “II”. This may be referred to herein as a first channel. A further channel is provided for fabric softener, which is typically labelled “*”. This may be referred to herein as a second channel. A third channel may be provided. This refers to a prewash/additional benefit agent channel labelled “I”. This channel is not typically used in the majority of washes, but may be loaded with a prewash detergent or bleach in certain cases.

It may be beneficial to prevent different laundry products coming into contact with one another. However, when storing laundry products in channels of a typical washing machine drawer, this can happen, for instance when pouring a laundry product into a channel, as this can be a messy and inaccurate procedure when working with certain laundry products. Alternatively, laundry products may “spill-over” into a wrong channel when a user closes the drawer, or with any other movement of the washing machine, i.e. due to vibrations from a spinning of the wash drum itself.

Laundry Product

Laundry product, as used herein, refers to compositions used in the cleaning and related treatment of articles, typically but not exclusively in automatic washing machines.

The laundry product may be a detergent. In other words, it may perform some cleaning function. Detergent laundry compositions are known in the art and may include surfactants, builders, and enzymes. The laundry product may be a fabric treatment product (sometimes called a benefit agent). Examples may include fabric conditions, UV protectors, water repellents, perfumes, and insect repellents.

Accordingly, a method of laundering articles, as described herein may, but does not necessarily, include a cleaning product.

Sensor

The sensor is suitably an electronic sensor, although mechanical sensors are also envisaged. It is suitably provided in electronic communication with a processor. Indeed, in some cases, the sensor(s) and processor are provided as a single unit. For example, the sensor and processor may be provided as a single printed circuit board or similar. As will be appreciated, more than one sensor may be present. For example, two or more sensors may be provided as a single unit, optionally with a processor.

Processor

It will be appreciated that devices of the invention suitably include a processor which receives and acts on data provided by the sensor, actuating the dispensing mechanism. At its most basic, the processor obtains data from the sensor, and is configured to generate a response to that data under certain conditions.

Suitable Valves

The valves may be electric valves. They may also be referred to as electronic fluid flow controllers. Suitable valves include, without limitation, solenoid valves. The valves may be valves that are not electronic where other dispensing means (such as a plunger or bellows) are provided. The valves be pressure valves, for example, a squeezy non-drip type valve, which may be made of silicone. In some embodiments, the valve is used.

Unit Dose

A unit dose is the recommended amount of a laundry composition for a single wash. It may be metered from a stock of laundry product in the chamber, or it may be supplied as discrete unit dose, for example as a cartridge (for example, a liquid in a pouch) or as a pellet or lozenge (for example, as a compressed powder, or a gel).

It is to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to a person skilled in the art and are included in the spirit and scope of the invention and the appended claims. 

1. A laundry product dispensing device for placing in a washing machine drawer, the device comprising: first and second chambers for housing laundry product; first and second dispensing mechanisms for dispensing a unit dose of laundry product from the respective first or second chamber; first and second water sensors configured to detect the presence of water in a respective first and second channel of the washing machine drawer; wherein the device is configured such that when the first water sensor detects water in the first channel, the first dispensing mechanism is actuated to dispense a unit dose of laundry product from the first chamber in to the first channel; and when the second water sensor detects water in the second channel, the second dispensing mechanism is actuated to dispense a unit dose of laundry product from the second chamber into the second channel characterised in that said first and second water sensors are located on said respective chambers; and wherein the dispensing mechanism is configured to apply pressure to the contents of the chamber when actuated.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each chamber is sized to house more than one unit dose of laundry product and wherein each dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense a unit dose of laundry product each time the dispensing mechanism is actuated.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises at least one of a detergent composition housed in the first chamber or a fabric conditioning composition housed in the second chamber.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein each sensor is a conductivity sensor.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the laundry product is a liquid composition and wherein each chamber is sealed by a valve.
 6. (canceled)
 7. A method of laundering articles in a washing machine, the method comprising: (i) placing a device according to claim 1 into the drawer of a washing machine such that a first chamber of the device sits in a first channel of the washing machine drawer and a second chamber of the device sits in a second channel of the washing machine, and then (ii) running a wash program, whereby (iii) first and second water sensors detect water in respective first and second channels, and then (iv) first and second dispensing mechanisms are actuated to dispense a unit dose of laundry product from the second chamber into the second channel characterised in that said first and second water sensors are located on said respective chambers 